Lived Experience of Family Caregivers of Patients with Prostate Cancer in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract

Family caregivers play important roles in the overall well-being of people with prostate cancer. However, these roles are less recognized and often shrouded with challenges along with significant impacts on quality of life. This study explored the lived experience of family caregivers of patients with prostate cancer. The study adopted a qualitative approach using a descriptive phenomenological overtone. Twelve family caregivers of patients with prostate cancer were recruited. Four core themes emerged that described caregivers lived experience: the effects of caregiving; (these include physical impact, psychological impact and social impact), challenges confronting caregivers of prostate cancer patients, difficulties encountered within the healthcare environment and coping strategies adopted by family caregivers of prostate cancer patients. Data were analyzed using technique consistent with analyzing phenomenological data. The results showed that caregivers were faced with issues such as sleeplessness, fatigue, altered eating pattern, anxiety, inadequacy, “care as an obligation” hopelessness. Turmoil, loss of livelihood, role/role adjustment as well as lack of preparedness, lack of knowledge about the condition, misconception and financial constraints were also found as challenges. In an attempt to cope with these difficulties, family caregivers relied on support systems available and actively planned. In view of this, it can be concluded that caring for a loved one with prostate cancer is demanding, thus, posing a lot of concerns and worries to the family caregiver as they suppress their own needs in order to support their sick loved ones. The findings of this study can be used to guide clinical practice in the care of prostate cancer patients/family caregivers.